Division with Golden Beads

Golden Bead division shows concretely that division is sharing equally, and sometimes there are leftovers—introducing remainders naturally.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Mathematics
• Learning area: Operations
• Level: Ages 5-6

Objectives

• Understand division as equal sharing
• Perform concrete division
• Discover remainders

Materials

• Golden Beads: large supply
• Small numeral cards
• Skittles (wooden figures) to represent divisors
• Trays for each share

Instructions

1. Present: 8,496 ÷ 3. 2. Place 3 skittles (children). 'Share equally among 3.' 3. Build 8,496 with beads. 4. Distribute: 'One thousand for you, one for you, one for you...' 5. Continue through each category. 6. Exchange when needed. 7. Read each person's share.

Educator tip

Start with division that comes out evenly, then introduce problems with remainders for excitement.

Assessment

Child distributes beads equally and handles exchanges and remainders.

More from Mathematics

• Stamp Game Addition
• Stamp Game Subtraction
• Addition Strip Board
• Subtraction Strip Board
• Multiplication Bead Board
• Division Bead Board
• Word Problems with Golden Beads
• Addition Finger Charts